Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Steffen Kirchgeorg is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of robotics and environmental science, specializing in drone-assisted biodiversity monitoring and environmental DNA (eDNA) collection in forest ecosystems. His work addresses one of ecology's most pressing challenges: gathering reliable biodiversity data from inaccessible environments like forest canopies, where traditional methods are costly, labor-intensive, and often destructive. Kirchgeorg's most impactful contribution — "Drone-assisted collection of environmental DNA from tree branches for biodiversity monitoring" (2023, 106 citations) — demonstrated that aerial robots could revolutionize eDNA sampling at scale. This was complemented by the development of HEDGEHOG (34 citations), an innovative drone capable of perching on tree branches using high-friction origami-inspired spines, dramatically extending operational flight time. Further innovations include the eProbe sampling system and the multimodal AVOCADO robot, which combines aerial and climbing locomotion inspired by arboreal animals. His more recent work on robot-aided insect diversity measurement highlights a shift toward fully non-invasive, scalable biodiversity assessment pipelines. Collectively, Kirchgeorg's research is reshaping how scientists monitor and ultimately protect forest biodiversity, offering accessible tools for conservation efforts worldwide.